Spanish Restoration: Cánovas del Castillo's Political Vision

Architects of the Restoration System

The political system of the Restoration was conceived and implemented by Antonio Cánovas del Castillo, with the consistent support of Práxedes Mateo Sagasta.

Cánovas, a liberal historian and politician, had been trained within O'Donnell's Liberal Union. He possessed a profound knowledge of Spanish history and a clear vision for the nation's future.

Core Doctrinal Principles of the Restoration

The doctrinal principles underlying the Restoration regime can be summarized as follows:

• Stability and Dynastic Legitimacy

  The Restoration signified not merely the return of the legitimate dynasty, but also the overcoming of the previous period's political instability and the achievement of social peace and a stable political life.

• The Internal Constitution: Synthesis of Old and New

  To achieve this, a synthesis between the old and the new was essential: a blend of historical legacy – what Cánovas termed the 'internal constitution' of a country – and progressive administrative ideals. This internal constitution comprised a series of political core principles, which Cánovas called the 'true mother' principles. These included the monarchy, the dynasty, liberty, property, and the joint rule of the King with Parliament. He believed these principles were intrinsic to the Spanish soul, our tradition, and our character, and therefore, non-negotiable for any Spaniard. The internal constitution was not something enacted; it was an inherent reality, existing because "the Spanish were as we were."

• Pragmatism: The Art of the Possible

  Acknowledging these foundational truths, everything else became secondary. This imposed a sense of reality, viewing politics as 'the art of the possible' – that is, as something appropriate to the specific circumstances of time and place.

• Civilian Supremacy

  Civilian supremacy over militarism was paramount. Civil power was considered superior to military power, deriving its legitimacy from the national will expressed through the vote.

• Consensus and Possibilism

  Cánovas opposed inflexible or irreconcilable positions. He advocated for seeking agreements and transactions – what we would call consensus today. For mutual understanding, both sides needed to yield. This 'Canovist possibilism' allowed for the recognition of opposing rights, integrating diverse elements into the system.

• Political Pact and Constitutional Agreement

  Ultimately, an agreement among all political forces was imposed, enabling peaceful coexistence within a parliamentary monarchy. Such a pact would be founded upon a new constitution, which needed to be widely agreed upon.